Mosul’s back in the headlines as Iraq opens the historic Al-Nuri mosque minaret after war damage. Big flashback: northern Iraq city, ancient Assyrian roots, capital of Nineveh Governorate.
As of April 10, 2026, Iraq has emerged as a critical battleground in the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Iranian-backed militias and US forces have exchanged drone and airstrikes, killing hundreds including civilians, commanders, and UN peacekeepers. Iraq has authorized Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) to defend themselves and demands stronger government action to contain escalating violence.